Four Reasons to Visit Berlin in 2013

January 8, 2013

In one of Europe’s liveliest cities there is always something exciting going on. And that is definitely true all through 2013. Whatever time of year you choose to visit there will be something to do and below you’ll find a few of the things we’re most looking forward to!

Winter – Berlin International Film Festival

As one of the most cultural cities on the continent, the Berlin festival always attracts some huge stars and some of the most exciting prospects in cinema each year. Like all top film festivals there will even be some chances to enjoy a Q&A with those behind the films and Matt Damon and Claude Lanzmann are just some of the stars of the screen who will be attending this year’s festival.

The festival runs from the 7th to the 17th of February this year and that gives you some time to get yourself some tickets for some of the eagerly awaited productions or even to one of the cheap classics being shown on the big screen once more.

Spring – Carnival of Cultures

As summer draws closer, the Carnival of Cultures – also called the Karneval der Kulturen – arrives in Berlin. This colourful and passionate festival gives the city even more culture for one weekend in May each year and will do so once again from the 17th to the 21st May.

It may not be as well known as the festivals in some other cities, but this one is certainly worth checking out and if you plan to do so, it might be worth organising your accommodation as soon as possible as it can get pretty busy at that time of year. Oh-Berlin.com have apartments in all parts of the city so you should easily find some good carnival accommodation there.

Autumn – The Berlin Marathon

Yes, the marathon may run every year, but this year is even more exciting as it’s the 40th anniversary of the 26 mile run round the German capital. Thousands of runners rock up in Berlin each September and there should be many more this year given the anniversary.

The Berlin course is thought to be one of the easiest – if not the easiest – in the world and World Record after World Record has been broken here. The current record of 2:03:38 was set in Berlin by Patrick Makau Musyoki in 2011 and it would be no surprise if the next record is set at this track, perhaps even this year.

The BMW Berlin Marathon will take place on 29th September so there is plenty of time to get fit and ready for it.

Winter – Beautiful Berlin

Berlin is one of the best cities in Europe to get into the Christmas spirit. As soon as winter hits, the Christmas markets spring up. You can easily pass hours strolling through them and enjoying all the delicious food on offer. The warm wintery drinks also go down well as you browse the Christmas gifts on sale.

The Berliner Weihnachtszeit market is a favourite with families thanks to all the fairground rides and the Ferris Wheel. And the Winter Wonderland at Potsdamer Platz is also worth a look if you fancy a shot on the largest mobile toboggan run in Europe!